Power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package having bootstrap diodes on a common integrated circuit (IC)

ABSTRACT

According to an exemplary implementation, a power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package includes a multi-phase inverter situated on a leadframe. The PQFN package further includes drivers situated on the leadframe and configured to drive the multi-phase inverter. The PQFN package also includes bootstrap diodes respectively coupled to the drivers. The bootstrap diodes are in a common integrated circuit (IC) that is situated on the leadframe. The common IC can include the drivers. The drivers can be high side drivers that are coupled to high side power switches of the multi-phase inverter. Also, the bootstrap diodes can be coupled to a supply voltage terminal of the PQFN package. Furthermore, the PQFN package can include wirebonds coupling the common IC to bootstrap supply voltage terminals of the PQFN package.

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/774,541, filed on Mar. 7, 2013, and entitled “Power Quad Flat No-Lead (PQFN) Package Having Bootstrap Diodes on a Common Integrated Circuit (IC).” The present application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/662,244 filed on Oct. 26, 2012, and entitled “Compact Wirebonded Power Quad Flat No-Lead (PQFN) Package,” which in turn claims priority to application Ser. No. 13/034,519 filed on Feb. 24, 2011, and entitled “Multi-Chip Module (MCM) Power Quad Flat No-Lead (PQFN) Semiconductor Package Utilizing a Leadframe for Electrical Interconnections,” which in turn claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/459,527 filed on Dec. 13, 2010, and entitled “Low Cost Leadframe Based High Power Density Full Bridge Power Device.” The present application claims the benefit of and priority to all of the above-identified applications. Moreover, the disclosure and contents of all of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated fully by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND

I. Definition

As used herein, the phrase “group III-V” refers to a compound semiconductor including at least one group III element and at least one group V element. By way of example, a group III-V semiconductor may take the form of a III-Nitride semiconductor. “III-Nitride”, or “III-N”, refers to a compound semiconductor that includes nitrogen and at least one group III element such as aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and boron (B), and including but not limited to any of its alloys, such as aluminum gallium nitride (Al_(x)Ga_((1-x))N), indium gallium nitride (In_(y)Ga_((1-y))N), aluminum indium gallium nitride (Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_((1-x-y))N), gallium arsenide phosphide nitride (GaAs_(a)P_(b)N_((1-a-b)), aluminum indium gallium arsenide phosphide nitride (Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_((1-x-y))As_(a)P_(b)N_((1-a-b))), for example. III-Nitride also refers generally to any polarity including but not limited to Ga-polar, N-polar, semi-polar, or non-polar crystal orientations. A III-Nitride material may also include either the Wurtzitic, Zincblende, or mixed polytypes, and may include single-crystal, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous structures. Gallium nitride or GaN, as used herein, refers to a III-Nitride compound semiconductor wherein the group III element or elements include some or a substantial amount of gallium, but may also include other group III elements in addition to gallium. A group III-V or a GaN transistor may also refer to a composite high voltage enhancement mode transistor that is formed by connecting the group III-V or the GaN transistor in cascode with a lower voltage group IV transistor.

In addition, as used herein, the phrase “group IV” refers to a semiconductor that includes at least one group IV element such as silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and carbon (C), and may also include compound semiconductors such as silicon germanium (SiGe) and silicon carbide (SiC), for example. Group IV also refers to semiconductor materials which include more than one layer of group IV elements, or doping of group IV elements to produce strained group IV materials, and may also include group IV based composite substrates such as silicon on insulator (SOI), separation by implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) process substrates, and silicon on sapphire (SOS), for example.

II. Background Art

Packages combining several semiconductor devices can simplify circuit design, reduce costs, and provide greater efficiency and improved performance by keeping related and dependent circuit components in close proximity. Furthermore, these packages can facilitate application integration and greater electrical and thermal performance compared to using separate packaging for components.

Quad flat no-dead (QFN) packages are leadless packages for electrical components, such as power semiconductor devices. The QFN packages can utilize a leadframe and wirebonds for connection to the electrical components housed therein. The QFN packages often have limited complexity and electrical routing can be challenging, particularly for more complex configurations. Thus, QFN packages often have simple configurations and house a small number of electrical components.

SUMMARY

A power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package having bootstrap diodes on a common integrated circuit (IC), substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit of a power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of a PQFN package in an exemplary multi-phase inverter circuit.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top-plan view of a leadframe of an exemplary PQFN package.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top-plan view of an exemplary PQFN package with wirebonds.

FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom-plan view of an exemplary PQFN package.

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of an exemplary PQFN package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit of power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of PQFN package 100 in multi-phase inverter circuit 150.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, PQFN package 100 includes driver integrated circuit (IC) 102 and multi-phase inverter 180. Multi-phase inverter 180 includes U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b. Driver IC 102 includes input logic 162, level shifter 164, level shifter 166, undervoltage protection circuit 168, comparator 170, latch 172, drivers 174 a (e.g. high side drivers), drivers 174 b (e.g. low side drivers), capacitor CR, and bootstrap diodes 176. Drivers 174 a include drivers 142 c, 142 b, and 142 a. Bootstrap diodes 176 include U-phase bootstrap diode D1, V-phase bootstrap diode D2, and W-phase bootstrap diode D3 (also referred to as “bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3”). Bootstrap capacitors 178 in FIG. 1B include U-phase bootstrap capacitor CB1, V-phase bootstrap capacitor CB2, and W-phase bootstrap capacitor CB3 (also referred to as “bootstrap capacitors CB1, CB2, and CB3”).

In multi-phase inverter circuit 150 of FIG. 1B, PQFN package 100 is connected to bus voltage source 114, supply voltage source 116, microcontroller 124, motor 126, bootstrap capacitors 178, resistor R1, capacitor C1, and shunt RS, as one example. Any of PQFN package 100, microcontroller 124, motor 126, resistor R1, capacitor C1, bootstrap capacitors 178, and shunt RS can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, PQFN package 100 can be connected to any of bus voltage source 114, supply voltage source 116, microcontroller 124, motor 126, resistor R1, capacitor C1, bootstrap capacitors 178, and shunt RS through conductive leads on the PCB.

PQFN package 100 also includes VBUS terminal 112 a, VCC terminal 112 b, HIN1 terminal 112 c, HIN2 terminal 112 d, HIN3 terminal 112 e, LINT terminal 112 f, LIN2 terminal 112 g, LIN3 terminal 112 h, EN terminal 112 i, FAULT terminal 112 j, RCIN terminal 112 k, IM terminal 112 l, VSS terminal 112 m, VCOM terminal 112 n, SW1 terminal 112 o, SW2 terminal 112 p, SW3 terminal 112 q, VB1 terminal 112 r, VB2 terminal 112 s, and VB3 terminal 112 t, which are collectively referred to as I/O terminals 112.

In PQFN package 100, VBUS terminal 112 a receives VBUS (e.g. a bus voltage) as input from bus voltage source 114. VCC terminal 112 b receives supply voltage VCC as input to driver IC 102 from supply voltage source 116 and can also be referred to as supply voltage terminal 112 b of PQFN package 100. HIN1 terminal 112 c, HIN2 terminal 112 d, and HIN3 terminal 112 e receive HIN1, HIN2, and HIN3 respectively as inputs to driver IC 102 from microcontroller 124. LINT terminal 112 f, LIN2 terminal 112 g, and LIN3 terminal 112 h receive LINT, LIN2, and LIN3 respectively as inputs to driver IC 102 from microcontroller 124.

Also in PQFN package 100, EN terminal 112 i receives EN as input to driver IC 102 from microcontroller 124. FAULT terminal 112 j receives FAULT as output from driver IC 102 to microcontroller 124. RCIN terminal 112 k receives RCIN as input to driver IC 102 from resistor R1 and capacitor C1. IM terminal 112 l receives ITRIP as input to driver IC 102 and microcontroller 124 from U-phase power switch 104 b, V-phase power switch 106 b, and W-phase power switch 108 b.

Further in PQFN package 100, VSS terminal 112 m receives VSS as input to driver IC 102 from logic ground G_(VSS). VCOM terminal 112 n receives VCOM as input to driver IC 102, U-phase power switch 104 b, V-phase power switch 106 b, and W-phase power switch 108 b from power stage ground G_(COM). SW1 terminal 112 o receives SW1 from U-phase output node 110 a as output to motor 126. Driver IC 102 also receives SW1 as input from U-phase output node 110 a. SW2 terminal 112 p receives SW2 from V-phase output node 110 b as output to motor 126. Driver IC 102 also receives SW2 as input from V-phase output node 110 b. SW3 terminal 112 q receives SW3 from W-phase output node 110 c as output to motor 126. Driver IC 102 also receives SW3 as input from W-phase output node 110 c.

Additionally, in PQF package 100, VB1 terminal 112 r receives bootstrap supply voltage VB1 as input to driver IC 102 from bootstrap capacitor CB1 and can also be referred to as bootstrap supply voltage terminal 112 r. VB2 terminal 112 s receives bootstrap supply voltage VB2 as input to driver IC 102 from bootstrap capacitor CB2 and can also be referred to as bootstrap supply voltage terminal 112 s. VB3 terminal 112 t receives bootstrap supply voltage VB3 as input to driver IC 102 from bootstrap capacitor CB3 and can also be referred to as bootstrap supply voltage terminal 112 t.

It will be appreciated that in various implementations, the number, quantity, and location of I/O terminals 112 are different than what is shown. For example, in various implementations, a driver IC that is different than driver IC 102 can be utilized, which can have different capabilities and/or I/O requirements than driver IC 102. This may be reflected in I/O terminals 112 as well as other connections of PQFN package 100. As one specific example, in one implementation, driver IC 102 is instead a functionally integrated IC that incorporates at least some of the functionality of driver IC 102 and microcontroller 124. Thus, additional I/O terminals 112 may be included for certain functionality, while certain I/O terminals 112, such as FAULT terminal 112 j may not be required.

In PQFN package 100, driver IC 102 can be a high voltage IC (HVIC) for driving U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b of multi-phase inverter 180. Examples of driver IC 102 include “5^(th) generation” HVICs available from International Rectifier Corporation®. In the present implementation, U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b are vertical conduction power devices, for example, group IV semiconductor power metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (power MOSFETs) such as fast-reverse epitaxial diode field effect transistors (FREDFETs), or group IV semiconductor insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). In other implementations group III-V semiconductor FETs, HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors) and, in particular, GaN FETs and/or HEMTs can be used as power devices in U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b. As defined above, Gallium nitride or GaN, as used herein, refers to a III-Nitride compound semiconductor wherein the group III element or elements include some or a substantial amount of gallium, but may also include other group III elements in addition to gallium. As previously stated, a group III-V or a GaN transistor may also refer to a composite high voltage enhancement mode transistor that is formed by connecting the group III-V or the GaN transistor in cascode with a lower voltage group IV transistor. While PQFN package 100 provides a full bridge power device, alternative implementations can provide other package configurations as required by the particular application.

In PQFN package 100, HIN1, HIN2, and HIN3 are control signals for U-phase power switch 104 a, V-phase power switch 106 a, and W-phase power switch 108 a, which are high side power switches. Input logic 162 receives HIN1, HIN2, and HIN3, which are respectively provided to level shifter 164. In the present implementation, level shifter 164 is a high-voltage level shifter having termination that can sustain, for example, approximately 600 volts. Level shifted versions of HIN1, HIN2, and HIN3 are received by drivers 174 a to provide high side gate signals H1, H2, and H3 to U-phase power switch 104 a, V-phase power switch 106 a, and W-phase power switch 108 a, as shown in FIG. 1A. Drivers 174 a generate high side gate signals H1, H2, and H3 from HIN1, HIN2, and HIN3 respectively. Drivers 174 a further receive SW1, SW2, and SW3 from U-phase output node 110 a, V-phase output node 110 b, and W-phase output node 110 c respectively. Thus, drivers 174 a are high side drivers and are coupled to high side power switches of multi-phase inverter 180.

Similarly, LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3 are control signals for U-phase power switch 104 b, V-phase power switch 106 b, and W-phase power switch 108 b, which are low side power switches. Input logic 162 receives LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3, which are respectively provided to level shifter 166. In the present implementation, level shifter 166 is a low-voltage level shifter, which compensates for differences between logic ground G_(VSS) and power stage ground G_(COM). This can be, for example, approximately one to approximately two volts. Level shifted versions of LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3 are respectively provided to drivers 174 b to provide low side gate signals L1, L2, and L3 to U-phase power switch 104 b, V-phase power switch 106 b, and W-phase power switch 108 b, as shown in FIG. 1A. Drivers 174 b generate low side gate signals L1, L2, and L3 from LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3 respectively. Thus, drivers 174 b are low side drivers and are coupled to low side power switches of multi-phase inverter 180.

Driver IC 102 can thereby drive switching of U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b using drivers 174 a and 174 b to power motor 126 (as one example), which generates motor current I_(M) (i.e. load current). In the present implementation, drivers 174 a and 174 b are impedance matched to respective ones of U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b. Drivers 174 a and 174 b can thereby drive U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b without gate resistors which allows PQFN package 100 to be smaller and less complex.

VBUS is a bus voltage from bus voltage source 114, which is coupled to respective drains of U-phase power switch 104 a, V-phase power switch 106 a, and W-phase power switch 108 a. As one example, bus voltage source 114 can be an AC to DC rectifier. The AC can be, as one example, an outlet voltage, such as 230 volts. The DC voltage can be, for example, approximately 300 volts to approximately 400 volts for VBUS.

VSS is a logic ground of a support logic circuit of driver IC 102 from logic ground G_(VSS). As one example, FIG. 1A shows VSS as a logic ground for capacitor CR. VSS is also a logic ground for other components of the support logic circuit, which includes input logic 162, level shifter 164, undervoltage protection circuit 168, comparator 170, latch 172, and capacitor CR, but can include different components. VCOM is a power stage ground of U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b from power stage ground G_(COM). FIG. 1A shows VCOM connected to sources of U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b within PQFN package 100. VCOM can also be for driver IC 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, VCOM coupled to drivers 174 b of driver IC 102.

A logic ground separate from a power stage ground is provided for in multi-phase inverter circuit 150 using shunt RS. Shunt RS is coupled across VSS terminal 112 m and VCOM terminal 112 n. Shunt RS is also coupled to sources of each of U-phase power switch 104 b, V-phase power switch 106 b, and W-phase power switch 108 b through VCOM terminal 112 n. Thus, motor current I_(M) from motor 126, shown in FIG. 1A, is combined phase current from U-phase leg 182 a, V-phase 182 b, and W-phase leg 182 c of multi-phase inverter 180. Motor current I_(M) is provided to, for example, microcontroller 124 through IM terminal 112 l. Microcontroller 124 utilizes motor current I_(M) to reconstruct individual phase currents (U, V, and W) to control pulse-width modulation (PWM) by controlling HIN1, HIN2, HIN3, LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3.

Thus, in the present implementation, PQFN package 100 has a logic ground separate from a power stage ground. During switching of U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b, a voltage can develop across shunt RS. By having a logic ground separate from a power stage ground, supply voltage VCC for the support logic circuit can be made with respect to ground instead of the voltage across shunt RS. Thus, by using separate grounds, PQFN package 100 is protected from latch up and noise malfunction, which otherwise can be caused by excess switching voltages from U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b.

In other implementations, PQFN package 100 instead has a single ground for logic and power. For example, VSS terminal 112 m and VCOM terminal 112 n can be combined into a single terminal or can be are shorted to one another. In one such implementation, PQFN package 100 is an open source/emitter PQFN package, in which motor current from at least two of U-phase leg 182 a, V-phase leg 182 b, and W-phase leg 182 c of multi-phase inverter 180 are provided as respective outputs terminals of PQFN package 100. Thus, for example, microcontroller 124 and/or another device or devices can utilize those motor currents to control pulse-width modulation (PWM) by controlling HIN1, HIN2, HIN3, LIN1, LIN2, and LIN3.

In PQFN package 100, supply voltage VCC is a supply voltage for driver IC 102 from supply voltage source 116, which can be, for example, approximately 15 volts. In some implementations, supply voltage source 116 generates supply voltage VCC from VBUS. Drivers 174 b are powered by supply voltage VCC whereas drivers 174 a are powered by bootstrap supply voltages VB1, VB2, and VB3.

Bootstrap supply voltages VB1, VB2, and VB3 are generated using bootstrap capacitors 178, bootstrap diodes 176, and supply voltage VCC. As shown in FIG. 1A, bootstrap diodes 176 are coupled to supply voltage terminal 112 b of PQFN package 100 and are respectively coupled to drivers 174 a. Bootstrap diodes 176 and drivers 174 a are each respectively coupled to bootstrap supply voltage terminals 112 r, 112 s, and 112 t. As shown in FIG. 1B, bootstrap capacitors 178 are respectively coupled to SW1 terminal 112 o, SW2 terminal 112 p, and SW3 terminal 112 q and bootstrap supply voltage terminals 112 r, 112 s, and 112 t. Thus, in the present implementation, bootstrap diodes 176 are configured for connection to respective bootstrap capacitors 178 and can thereby be configured to charge bootstrap supply voltages VB1, VB2, and VB3.

Typical QFN packages have limited functionality with simple configurations and a small number of electrical components. As functionality increases it becomes difficult to rout wires for connections while avoiding wire crossing and wire shorting. Moreover, long lengths of wiring adversely affect electrical and thermal performance. However, PQFN packages, in accordance with various implementations of the present disclosure, can have high levels of functionality while avoiding wire crossing and wire shorting and achieving high electrical and thermal performance.

In the implementation shown, PQFN package 100 accommodates multi-phase inverter 180 situated on a leadframe. PQFN package 100 further accommodates drivers 174 a and 174 b situated on the leadframe and configured to drive multi-phase inverter 180. Furthermore, PQFN package 100 accommodates bootstrap diodes 176 respectively coupled to drivers 174 a. These features can be accommodated with PQFN package 100 having a footprint of, for example, approximately 12 mm by approximately 12 mm with high electrical and thermal performance. In other implementations, PQFN package 100 can have a footprint of greater than 12 mm by 12 mm. In still other implementations, PQFN package 100 can have a footprint of less than 12 mm by 12 mm.

Bootstrap diodes are typically external to semiconductor packages and for multi-phase inverters in particular. However, including bootstrap diodes 176 in PQFN package 100 simplifies circuit design, reduces costs, and provides greater efficiency and improved performance at least by keeping related and dependent circuit components in close proximity. Furthermore, PQFN package 100 facilitates application integration and greater electrical and thermal performance. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D2 add significant complexity to the circuit of PQFN package 100. However, by including bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 on a common IC, for example, driver IC 102, this circuit complexity has a reduced impact on the configuration PQFN package 100. Also, in implementations where the common IC includes drivers 174 a and/or 174 b, such as in PQFN package 100, the impact can be further reduced.

Bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 would consume significant package space if included as discrete components. For example, in the present implementation, PQFN package 100 is for high power applications. Thus, bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 have high breakdown voltages, such as, for example approximately 200 volts to approximately 600 volts. As such, bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 would be exceedingly large as discrete components. However, by including bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 on a common IC, for example, driver IC 102, the size of bootstrap diodes D1, D2, and D3 has a reduced impact on the configuration of PQFN package 100. This may allow PQFN package 100 to internalize such functionality as being enabled/disabled responsive to input, providing fault indications, having undervoltage protection, having overcurrent protection, and/or having separate logic and power grounds.

In the implementation shown, supply voltage VCC is coupled to undervoltage protection circuit 168. Undervoltage protection circuit 168 detects an undervoltage condition when supply voltage VCC falls below a threshold voltage, such as approximately 9 volts. Supply voltage VCC notifies input logic 162 of the undervoltage condition to thereby disable switching in driver IC 102. Switching in driver IC 102 can also be altered using EN. EN can be used by, for example, microcontroller 124, to enable/disable switching of driver IC 102. More particularly, driver IC 102 is configured to enable/disable switching of H1, H2, H3, L1, L2, and L3 responsive to EN.

FIG. 1A shows motor current I_(M) provided to driver IC 102 as ITRIP. Driver IC 102 utilizes ITRIP for overcurrent protection. For example, FIG. 1A shows comparator 170 comparing ITRIP to a reference voltage that is generated by capacitor CR. If ITRIP exceeds the reference voltage, comparator 170 triggers latch 172, which indicates an overcurrent condition to microcontroller 124 by providing FAULT to FAULT terminal 112 j. Input logic 162 also receives FAULT to disable switching of driver IC 102. Driver IC 102 utilizes RCIN to automatically reset latch 172 from the overcurrent protection. As shown in FIG. 1B, resistor R1 is coupled between VCC terminal 112 b and RCIN terminal 112 k to charge capacitor C1. Capacitor C1 is coupled between RCIN terminal 112 k and VSS terminal 112 m. Resistor R1 and capacitor C1 can be changed to alter timing of automatic reset for the overcurrent protection.

Turning to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, FIG. 2A illustrates a top-plan view of a leadframe of PQFN package 200 of FIGS. 2B and 2C. FIG. 2B illustrates a top-plan view of PQFN package 200. FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom-plan view of PQFN package 200. In the present implementation, PQFN package 200 is a multi-chip module (MCM) PQFN package, which can have a footprint of approximately 12 mm by approximately 12 mm. In other implementations, PQFN package 200 can have a footprint of greater than 12 mm by 12 mm. In still other implementations, PQFN package 200 can have a footprint of less than 12 mm by 12 mm.

PQFN package 200 corresponds to PQFN package 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, PQFN package 200 includes driver IC 202, U-phase power switches 204 a and 204 b, V-phase power switches 206 a and 206 b, and W-phase power switches 208 a and 208 b corresponding respectively to driver IC 102, U-phase power switches 104 a and 104 b, V-phase power switches 106 a and 106 b, and W-phase power switches 108 a and 108 b in FIG. 1A.

Furthermore, PQFN package 200 includes VBUS terminal 212 a, VCC terminal 212 b, HIN1 terminal 212 c, HIN2 terminal 212 d, HIN3 terminal 212 e, LIN1 terminal 212 f, LIN2 terminal 212 g, LIN3 terminal 212 h, EN terminal 212 i, FAULT terminal 212 j, RCIN terminal 212 k, IM terminal 212 l, VSS terminal 212 m (also referred to as “logic ground terminal 112 m”), VCOM terminal 212 n (also referred to as “power stage ground terminal 112 n”), SW1 terminal 212 o (also referred to as “U-phase output terminal 212 o”), SW2 terminal 212 p (also referred to as “V-phase output terminal 212 p”), SW3 terminal 212 q (also referred to as “W-phase output terminal 212 q”), VB1 terminal 212 r, VB2 terminal 212 s, and VB3 terminal 212 t (also referred to as “I/O terminals 212”) corresponding respectively to VBUS terminal 112 a, VCC terminal 112 b, HIN1 terminal 112 c, HIN2 terminal 112 d, HIN3 terminal 112 e, LIN1 terminal 112 f, LIN2 terminal 112 g, LIN3 terminal 112 h, EN terminal 112 i, FAULT terminal 112 j, RCIN terminal 112 k, IM terminal 112 l, VSS terminal 112 m, VCOM terminal 112 n, SW1 terminal 112 o, SW2 terminal 112 p, SW3 terminal 112 q, VB1 terminal 112 r, VB2 terminal 112 s, and VB3 terminal 112 t in PQFN package 100.

FIG. 2A shows leadframe 260 including driver IC die pad 220, W-phase die pad 222 a, V-phase die pad 222 b, U-phase die pad 222 c, and common die pad 228. Leadframe island 233 is electrically and mechanically connected (e.g. integrally connected) to driver IC die pad 220. Leadframe 260 further includes leadframe strips 230 and 232 and I/O terminals 212. Leadframe island 234 is on leadframe strip 230 of leadframe 260 and leadframe strip 230 is electrically and mechanically connected (e.g. integrally connected) to V-phase die pad 222 b of leadframe 260. Leadframe island 236 is on leadframe strip 232 of leadframe 260 and leadframe strip 232 is electrically and mechanically connected (e.g. integrally connected) to U-phase die pad 222 c of leadframe 260. As shown in FIG. 2B, leadframe strips 230 and 232 can optionally extend to edge 242 c of PQFN package 200. In doing so, any of leadframe strips 230 and 232 can provide, for example, additional I/O terminals for PQFN package 200. For example, leadframe strip 232 is shown as providing an additional SW1 terminal 212 o at edge 242 c of PQFN package 200.

Leadframe 260 can comprise a material with high thermal and electrical conductivity such as copper (Cu) alloy C194 available from Olin Brass®. Top-side 240 a of leadframe 260 can be selectively plated with materials for enhanced adhesion to device dies and wires. The plating can comprise silver (Ag) plating that is selectively applied to leadframe 260, which is available from companies such as QPL Limited.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show that leadframe 260 is an etched leadframe, such as a half-etched leadframe. Portions of leadframe 260, which are unetched (e.g. not half-etched) are indicated in FIGS. 2A and 2B using dashed lines. Leadframe islands 233, 234, and 236 are examples of such unetched portions. For example, FIG. 2C shows bottom-side 240 b of leadframe 260 (which also corresponds to a bottom-side of PQFN package 200). FIG. 2C further shows mold compound 265 of PQFN package 200, which covers etched portions of leadframe 260. Mold compound 265 can be a plastic that has a low flexural modulus, such as CEL9220ZHF10 (v79) available from Hitachi® Chemical. To provide resilience against package cracking, the height (or thickness) of PQFN package 200 as defined by mold compound 265 may be kept thin, such as 0.9 mm or less.

I/O terminals 212, leadframe island 233, leadframe island 234, and leadframe island 236 are unetched and are exposed through mold compound 265 on bottom-side 240 b of leadframe 260 (which also corresponds to a bottom-side of PQFN package 200). As such, I/O terminals 212, leadframe island 233, leadframe island 234 and leadframe island 236 are exposed on bottom-side 240 b of leadframe 260 for high electrical conductivity and/or thermal dissipation. By providing a (PCB) with matching lands, this feature can optionally be exploited. The exposed areas of leadframe 260 can be plated, for example, with Tin (Sn).

Driver IC 202 is situated on leadframe 260 and is configured to drive U-phase power switches 204 a and 204 b, V-phase power switches 206 a and 206 b, and W-phase power switches 208 a and 208 b, which correspond to multi-phase inverter 180 in FIG. 1A. More particularly, driver IC 202 is situated on driver IC die pad 220 of leadframe 260. Driver IC die pad 220 is larger than driver IC 202 and can therefore accommodate different, larger driver ICs, which may have different features than driver IC 202. Driver IC 202, U-phase power switches 204 a and 204 b, V-phase power switches 206 a and 206 b, and W-phase power switches 208 a and 208 b are interconnected utilizing wirebonds and leadframe 260.

FIG. 2B also shows that wirebonds, such as wirebond 244 a electrically and mechanically connect driver IC 202 to VCC terminal 212 b, HIN1 terminal 212 c, HIN2 terminal 212 d, HIN3 terminal 212 e, LIN1 terminal 212 f, LIN2 terminal 212 g, LIN3 terminal 212 h, EN terminal 212 i, FAULT terminal 212 j, RCIN terminal 212 k, IM terminal 212 l, VSS terminal 212 m, VB1 terminal 212 r, VB2 terminal 212 s, VB3 terminal 212 t, and to respective gates of U-phase power switches 204 a and 204 b, V-phase power switches 206 a and 206 b, and W-phase power switches 208 a and 208 b.

Wirebond 244 a and similarly depicted wirebonds in FIG. 2B can include, for example, 1.3 mil diameter G1 type Gold (Au) wires. Thicker wires can be utilized for power connections, such as wirebonds 246 a, 246 b, 246 c, 246 d, 246 e, and 246 f (also referred to as “wirebonds 246”). Wirebonds 246 can be, for example, 2.0 mil diameter copper (Cu) wires, such as Maxsoft® LD wires available from Kulicke & Soffa®. Wirebonds 246 can be bonded using bond stitch on ball (BSOB) bonding. As shown in FIG. 2B, multiple wirebonds, such as two wirebonds, can be in parallel with wirebonds 246 to for additional current handling.

FIG. 2B shows that U-phase power switches 204 a and 204 b, V-phase power switches 206 a and 206 b, W-phase power switches 208 a and 208 b, and driver IC 202 are electrically and mechanically connected to leadframe 260. This can be accomplished utilizing solder or conductive adhesive, such as silver filled QMI 529HT available from Henkel Corporation.

As shown in FIG. 2B, U-phase power switch 204 b, V-phase power switch 206 b, and W-phase power switch 208 b are situated on leadframe 260 along edge 242 a of PQFN package 200. W-phase power switch 208 b is situated on W-phase die pad 222 a. More particularly, drain 236 a of W-phase power switch 208 b is situated on W-phase die pad 222 a. Similarly, V-phase power switch 206 b is situated on V-phase die pad 222 b. More particularly, drain 236 b of V-phase power switch 206 b is situated on V-phase die pad 222 b. Also, U-phase power switch 204 b is situated on U-phase die pad 222 c. More particularly, drain 236 c of U-phase power switch 204 b is situated on U-phase die pad 222 c. Thus, U-phase power switch 204 b, V-phase power switch 206 b, and W-phase power switch 208 b are individually coupled to respective die pads of leadframe 260. As such, W-phase die pad 222 a can correspond to W-phase output terminal 212 q of PQFN package 200, V-phase die pad 222 b can correspond to V-phase output terminal 212 p of PQFN package 200, and U-phase die pad 222 c can correspond to U-phase output terminal 212 o of PQFN package 200, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Also shown in FIG. 2B, U-phase power switch 204 a, V-phase power switch 206 a, and W-phase power switch 208 a are situated on leadframe 260 along edge 242 b of PQFN package 200, which intersects edge 242 a. U-phase power switch 204 a, V-phase power switch 206 a, and W-phase power switch 208 a are situated on common die pad 228 of leadframe 260. More particularly, drain 236 d of U-phase power switch 204 a, drain 236 e of V-phase power switch 206 a, and drain 236 f of W-phase power switch 208 a are situated on common die pad 228 of leadframe 260. Thus, common die pad 228 can correspond to VBUS terminal 212 a (e.g. a bus voltage input terminal) of PQFN package 200, as shown in FIG. 2B.

An example of this configuration is shown in more detail in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2D illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of PQFN package 200. The cross sectional view in FIG. 2D corresponds to cross section 2D-2D, of FIGS. 2B and 2C. FIG. 2D shows drain 236 e of V-phase power switch 206 a connected to common die pad 228 through conductive adhesive 254 and plating 248 a of leadframe 260. Conductive adhesive 254 can include silver filled adhesive such as QMI 529HT. Other dies in PQFN package 200 can similarly be connected to leadframe 260.

U-phase power switch 204 b, V-phase power switch 206 b, and W-phase power switch 208 b are coupled respectively to U-phase power switch 204 a, V-phase power switch 206 a, and W-phase power switch 208 a through leadframe 260.

In FIG. 2B, wirebond 246 a electrically and mechanically connects source 238 d of U-phase power switch 204 a to leadframe 260. More particularly, source 238 d is connected via wirebond 246 a to leadframe island 236 of leadframe strip 232. Thus, U-phase output node 110 a of FIG. 1A is situated on leadframe strip 232 of leadframe 260, where leadframe strip 232 is connected to U-phase die pad 222 c of leadframe 260. As such, PQFN package 200 has significant flexibility in arranging wirebond 246 a, and other wirebonds, such as wirebond 244 b, while avoiding wire shorts due to wire crossing and achieving high electrical and thermal performance.

Similarly, wirebond 246 b electrically and mechanically connects source 238 e of V-phase power switch 206 a to leadframe 260. FIG. 2D illustrates one example of this connection. Source 238 e is connected via wirebond 246 b to leadframe island 234 of leadframe strip 230 through plating 248 b of leadframe 260. Leadframe strip 230 then connects to drain 236 b of V-phase power switch 206 b through V-phase die pad 222 b. A similar connection can be employed for connecting source 238 d to drain 236 c of U-phase power switch 204 b. Wirebond 246 b electrically and mechanically connects source 238 e of V-phase power switch 206 a to leadframe strip 230 at leadframe island 234. Thus, V-phase output node 110 b of FIG. 1A is situated on leadframe strip 230 of leadframe 260, where leadframe strip 230 is connected to V-phase die pad 222 b of leadframe 260. As such, PQFN package 200 has significant flexibility in arranging wirebond 246 b, and other wirebonds, such as wirebond 244 c, while avoiding wire shorts due to wire crossing and achieving high electrical and thermal performance.

It is noted that PQFN package 200 can include leadframe islands 234 and/or 236 without leadframe strip 230 and/or 232. For example, leadframe island 234 can be connected to V-phase die pad 222 b through a trace on a PCB. It is further noted that PQFN package 200 can include leadframe strip 230 and/or 232 without leadframe islands 234 and/or 236. However, having leadframe strips 230 and 232 with leadframe islands 234 and 236 can offer significant flexibility in arranging wirebonds in PQFN package 200 while achieving high electrical and thermal performance.

In FIG. 2B, wirebond 246 c is electrically and mechanically connecting source 238 f of W-phase power switch 208 a to leadframe 260. More particularly, wirebond 246 b electrically and mechanically connects source 238 f of W-phase power switch 208 a to W-phase die pad 222 a on leadframe 260. Thus, W-phase output node 110 c of FIG. 1A is situated on W-phase die pad 222 a of leadframe 260 with W-phase power switch 208 b. As W-phase power switch 208 b is adjacent to W-phase power switch 208 a, source 238 f of W-phase power switch 208 a can be coupled to drain 236 a of W-phase power switch 208 b while easily avoiding wire shorts due to wire crossing and achieving high electrical and thermal performance. This can be accomplished without utilizing a leadframe strip and/or leadframe island.

Thus, PQFN package 200 can be made significantly smaller while avoiding arcing between U-phase output node 110 a, V-phase output node 110 b, and W-phase output node 110 c. For example, an additional leadframe strip and/or leadframe island would require a larger PQFN package 200 to maintain sufficient spacing 252 between leadframe strips 230 and 232 so as to prevent arcing (e.g. at least 1 mm). Furthermore, this configuration does not significantly impact flexibility in arranging wirebonds in PQFN package 200. Also, as W-phase die pad 222 a is exposed on bottom-side 240 b of PQFN package 200 (shown in FIG. 2C), heat generated at W-phase output node 110 c can be effectively dissipated from PQFN package 200.

PQFN package 200 includes a logic ground of leadframe 260 coupled to a support logic circuit of driver IC 202. The logic ground of leadframe 260 includes logic ground terminal 212 m. At least wirebond 244 g is electrically and mechanically connecting logic ground terminal 212 m of leadframe 260 to driver IC 202 and more particularly, is connecting logic ground terminal 212 m of leadframe 260 to the support logic of driver IC 202.

PQFN package 200 further includes a power stage ground of leadframe 260 coupled to sources 238 c, 238 b, and 238 a of U-phase power switch 204 b, V-phase power switch 206 b, and W-phase power switch 208 b. The power stage ground of leadframe 260 includes power stage ground terminal 212 n, driver IC die pad 220, and leadframe island 233. In FIG. 2B, at least wirebond 246 d is electrically and mechanically connecting power stage ground terminal 212 n of the power stage ground of leadframe 260 to source 238 a of W-phase power switch 208 b. At least wirebond 246 e is electrically and mechanically connecting source 238 a of W-phase power switch 208 b to source 238 b of V-phase power switch 206 b. Also, at least wirebond 246 f is electrically and mechanically connecting source 238 b of V-phase power switch 206 b to source 238 c of U-phase power switch 204 b. Thus, sources 238 a, 238 b, and 238 c are electrically connected to each other within PQFN package 200.

In other implementations, PQFN package 200 is an open source/emitter PQFN package (which may also be referred to as an open emitter PQFN package), in which sources 238 a, 238 b, and 238 c are not electrically connected to each other within PQFN package 200. For example, wirebonds, such as wirebonds 246 can electrically and mechanically connect sources 238 a, 238 b, and 238 c to respective current source terminals of PQFN package 200.

In the present implementation, the power stage ground of leadframe 260 is coupled to drivers (e.g. drivers 174 b in FIG. 1) of driver IC 202. Wirebonds 244 e and 244 f are connecting source 238 c of U-phase power switch 204 b to drivers 174 b of driver IC 202 through leadframe 260. Wirebond 244 e is electrically and mechanically connecting source 238 c of U-phase power switch 204 b to leadframe island 233 of leadframe 260. Wirebond 244 f is electrically and mechanically connecting leadframe island 233 of leadframe 260 to driver IC 202. Connecting source 238 c of U-phase power switch 204 b to driver IC 202 through leadframe 260, offers flexibility in connecting PQFN package 200. However, it is noted that leadframe island 233 is optional and a wirebond may directly connect source 238 c of U-phase power switch 204 b to driver IC 202. Furthermore, in some implementations, driver IC 202 optionally has ground 256, which is situated on driver IC die pad 220 of leadframe 260. Ground 256 can be the power stage ground and/or the logic ground. In the implementation shown, where ground 256 is the power stage ground, wirebond 244 f may be excluded.

Thus, PQFN package 200 includes a multi-phase inverter (e.g. multi-phase inverter 180) situated on leadframe 260, drivers (e.g. drivers 174 a) situated on leadframe 260 and configured to drive the multi-phase inverter. PQFN package 200 further includes bootstrap diodes (e.g. bootstrap diodes 176) respectively coupled to the drivers, where the bootstrap diodes are in a common integrated circuit (IC) (e.g. driver IC 202) that is situated on leadframe 260.

In the implementation shown, the common IC (e.g. driver IC 202) includes drivers 174 a. Wirebond 244 b electrically and mechanically connects driver IC 202 (e.g. U-phase driver 142 a) and leadframe strip 232 of leadframe 260 at leadframe island 236. U-phase output node 110 a of FIG. 1A is situated on leadframe island 236 of leadframe 260. Thus, U-phase driver 142 a of FIG. 1A is coupled to U-phase output node 110 a of multi-phase inverter 180, where U-phase output node 110 a is situated on leadframe island 236 (and/or leadframe strip 232) of leadframe 260.

Similarly, wirebond 244 b electrically and mechanically connects driver IC 202 (e.g. V-phase driver 142 b) and leadframe strip 230 of leadframe 260 at leadframe island 234. V-phase output node 110B of FIG. 1A is situated on leadframe island 234 of leadframe 260. Thus, V-phase driver 142 b of FIG. 1A is coupled to V-phase output node 110 b of multi-phase inverter 180, where V-phase output node 110 b is situated on leadframe island 234 (and/or leadframe strip 230) of leadframe 260.

Wirebond 244 d electrically and mechanically connects driver IC 202 (e.g. W-phase driver 142 c) and source 238 f of w-phase power switch 208 a. In the present implementation, wirebond 244 d is a direct electrical connection between driver IC 202 and source 238 f. W-phase driver 142 c of FIG. 1A is thereby coupled to W-phase output node 110 c of multi-phase inverter 180.

PQFN package 200 further includes wirebonds 244 g, 244 h, and 244 i respectively coupling the common IC (e.g. driver IC 202) to bootstrap supply voltage terminals 212 r, 212 s, and 212 t of PQFN package 200. As bootstrap diodes 176 are in the common IC, PQFN package 200 only requires a single supply voltage terminal, VCC terminal 212 b, where wirebond 244 a couples VCC terminal 212 b to each of bootstrap diodes 176. Bootstrap capacitors 178 can be respectively coupled from bootstrap supply voltage terminals 212 r, 212 s, and 212 t to U-phase output terminal 212 o, V-phase output terminal 212 p, and W-phase output terminal 212 q so as to power drivers 174 a.

Thus, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A through 2D, in accordance with various implementations, PQFN packages can include bootstrap diodes in a common IC that is situated on a leadframe. In some implementations, the common IC includes drivers of a multi-phase inverter. In doing so, the PQFN packages can be substantially more complex than typical QFN packages while avoiding wire crossing and wire shorting and achieving high electrical and thermal performance.

From the above description it is manifest that various techniques can be used for implementing the concepts described in the present application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been described with specific reference to certain implementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular implementations described above, but many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package comprising: a multi-phase inverter situated on a leadframe; drivers situated on said leadframe and configured to drive said multi-phase inverter; bootstrap diodes respectively coupled to said drivers, said bootstrap diodes being in a common integrated circuit (IC) that is situated on said leadframe; wherein at least one of said drivers is coupled to a first leadframe strip, said first leadframe strip extending from a first die pad at a first edge of said PQFN package to a second edge on an opposite side of said PQFN package.
 2. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said common IC includes said drivers.
 3. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said drivers are high side drivers and are coupled to a high side power switch of said multi-phase inverter.
 4. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said bootstrap diodes are coupled to a supply voltage terminal of said PQFN package.
 5. The PQFN package of claim 1, comprising wirebonds coupling said common IC to bootstrap supply voltage terminals of said PQFN package.
 6. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said drivers is coupled to an output node of said multi-phase inverter, said output node being situated on said first leadframe strip of said leadframe.
 7. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said drivers is coupled to an output node of said multi-phase inverter, said output node being situated on a first leadframe island of said leadframe.
 8. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said multi-phase inverter comprises high side power switches that are situated on a common die pad of said leadframe.
 9. The PQFN package of claim 8, wherein said high side power switches comprise group III-V transistors.
 10. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said PQFN package has a footprint of greater than 12 mm by 12 mm.
 11. The PQFN package of claim 1, wherein said PQFN package has a footprint of less than 12 mm by 12 mm.
 12. A power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package comprising: a multi-phase inverter situated on a leadframe; a driver integrated circuit (IC) situated on said leadframe and configured to drive said multi-phase inverter; a plurality of bootstrap diodes configured for connection to respective bootstrap capacitors, said plurality of bootstrap diodes being in said driver IC; wherein said driver IC is coupled to a first leadframe strip, said first leadframe strip extending from a first die pad at a first edge of said PQFN package to a second edge on an opposite side of said PQFN package.
 13. The PQFN package of claim 12, wherein said driver IC is configured to drive high side power switches of said multi-phase inverter.
 14. The PQFN package of claim 12, wherein said bootstrap diodes are coupled to a supply voltage terminal of said PQFN package.
 15. The PQFN package of claim 12, comprising wirebonds coupling said driver IC to bootstrap supply voltage terminals of said PQFN package.
 16. The PQFN package of claim 12, wherein said driver IC is coupled to an output node of said multi-phase inverter, said output node being situated on said first leadframe strip of said leadframe.
 17. The PQFN package of claim 12, wherein said driver IC is coupled to an output node of said multi-phase inverter, said output node being situated on a first leadframe island of said leadframe.
 18. The PQFN package of claim 12, wherein said multi-phase inverter comprises high side power switches that are situated on a common die pad of said leadframe.
 19. A power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) package comprising: U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase power switches situated on a leadframe; U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase drivers situated on said leadframe and respectively coupled to said U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase power switches; U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase bootstrap diodes respectively coupled to said U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase drivers, said U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase bootstrap diodes being in a common integrated circuit (IC) that is situated on said leadframe; wherein at least one of said U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase drivers is coupled to a first leadframe strip, said first leadframe strip extending from a first die pad at a first edge of said PQFN package to a second edge on an opposite side of said PQFN package.
 20. The PQFN package of claim 19, wherein said common IC includes said U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase drivers. 